Overview

• Tharoor says President Trump’s tariff moves are aimed at reviving US manufacturing and raising revenue for domestic goals rather than reflecting a rift with India.
• He cites steep damage to Indian exporters under the cumulative 50% levy, pointing to layoffs in Surat’s gems and jewellery hub, pressure on Tiruppur and Coimbatore factories, and viability concerns for Visakhapatnam’s shrimp trade.
• Negotiations have resumed after a paused round, with a US team in India last week and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal now in Washington, which Tharoor says could yield relief on the initial 25% tranche.
• He stresses the additional 25% penalty tied to Russian oil purchases remains a separate political hurdle and would still keep many exports uncompetitive even if the first tranche is eased.
• Tharoor condemns White House adviser Peter Navarro’s recent remarks about India as extremely offensive and links the H‑1B fee hike for new applications to US domestic politics focused on an anti‑immigration base.